The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially sworn in six new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), marking a critical step toward enhancing Nigeria’s electoral administration ahead of several key elections.
At a formal ceremony held at the INEC Conference Room in Abuja on Thursday, the Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, administered the oath of office to the new appointees and emphasized the importance of their roles in strengthening the country’s democratic institutions.
The newly sworn-in RECs are:
Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem (second term)
Mukhtar Umar Gajiram (second term)
Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris
Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi
Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako
Umar Yusuf Garba
Welcoming the appointees, Prof. Yakubu noted that their deployment completes INEC’s staffing across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. “Your appointment is a full-time responsibility. You must provide leadership and exercise effective supervision,” he said.
Describing the conduct of elections as a “sacred duty,” he charged the new RECs to operate strictly within the provisions of the law, uphold their oaths of office, and engage transparently with all electoral stakeholders.
The new RECs bring diverse experience to the Commission. Two—Dr. Idris and Mrs. Ibiyemi—are former INEC staff. Mr. Ibeziako is a legal practitioner, while Mr. Garba has an extensive background in private sector administration. Returning commissioners Alalibo and Gajiram are resuming for a second term.
As part of INEC’s policy to enhance neutrality and curb conflict of interest, the Chairman announced that all RECs will be posted outside their states of origin. He also disclosed that some existing RECs will be redeployed accordingly.
In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the new commissioners. “This noble call to serve our great nation is one we do not take lightly,” he said. “We are fully aware that the credibility of elections rests not only on systems and structures but also on the character and commitment of those entrusted to manage them.”
He also lauded Prof. Yakubu’s leadership, describing him as a “visionary whose commitment to inclusivity and innovation continues to inspire confidence in the process.”
The event also featured a moment of reflection as attendees observed a minute of silent prayer for retired Major General Abubakar Modibbo Alkali, a former INEC National Commissioner who passed away in April.
In a related development, Prof. Yakubu unveiled the official timetable for the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States. The Ekiti election will hold on June 20, 2026, with party primaries from October 20 to November 10, 2025. The Osun governorship poll is scheduled for August 8, 2026, with primaries between November 24 and December 15, 2025.
The Commission stated that full details of the electoral calendar have been published across its official platforms.
As Nigeria moves toward the resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and prepares for upcoming bye-elections, the swearing-in of the six RECs signals INEC’s continued commitment to operational efficiency and credible democratic processes.
